Rice University in Texas is ranked one of the country's best teaching and research institutions. Its history dates back to 1891 when it was named after a Massachusetts-born businessman William Marsh Rice. He chartered the William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art to the city. Unfortunately Rice didn't ever get to see the opening of the University as he was murdered by his valet nine years later. In 1907 the recognized astronomer and mathematician Edgar Odell Lovett was named the its first president. The university opened on the anniversary of Rice's murder in 1912, with 77 students. An international festival at the opening brought Rice Institute to the attention of academic around the world. In 1962 it was the setting for the John F. Kennedy Address on the Space Effort.
The University's academic seal was designed by Pierre de Chaignon la Rose who combined the arms of sixteen families featuring the names Rice or Houston. Inspiration for the design of the owls on the Rice seal came from a silver coin dating to the fifth century BC. The University's mascot is an owl; students in owl costumes, statues, 'Sammy the kidnapped owl' and even live ones have been all been used as mascots at University events. The University's colors of blue and gray were chosen by the first president and were described as 'a blue still deeper than the Oxford blue' and 'the Confederate gray, enlivened by a tinge of lavender'.
Campus tours are available for up to 50 visitors. Volunteer guides will lead you through the campus where you will learn about the University's architecture and history.
